Cytotoxicity of Postmodified Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-90 (ZIF-90) Nanocrystals: Correlation between...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) are porous materials with tunable properties.
• Functionalization of ZIFs can alter their chemical and physical characteristics.
• Understanding the impact of ZIF functionalization on biological systems is crucial for applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To chemically modify zeolitic imidazolate framework-90 (ZIF-90) nanocrystals.
• To investigate the correlation between the introduced functional groups and cytotoxicity.
• To evaluate the potential of functionalized ZIFs in biological contexts.

Main Methods:

• A straightforward chemical method was employed to convert aldehyde groups on ZIF-90 to carboxyl, amino, and thiol groups.
• The structural integrity of the ZIF-90 framework was maintained post-modification.
• In vitro cytotoxicity assays were performed to assess the biological impact of the functionalized ZIFs.

Main Results:

• Successful conversion of aldehyde groups to carboxyl, amino, and thiol functionalities on ZIF-90 without framework degradation.
• Demonstration of a direct correlation between the functional groups and cytotoxicity for the first time.
• Aminated-ZIF-90 exhibited enhanced cytotoxicity (EC50 ≈ 30 μg/mL), likely due to cell membrane perturbation and/or increased cell uptake.

Conclusions:

• Simple functionalization of ZIF-90 is achievable while preserving its structural integrity.
• Material functionality significantly influences cytotoxicity, offering a new avenue for controlling biological interactions.
• Aminated-ZIF-90 presents a promising candidate for applications requiring controlled cytotoxicity, warranting further investigation.